How to Improve "Horribly Ugly" Yard + View?

Q: My boyfriend and I live in an apartment building with a horribly ugly back yard complete with jagged concrete, an elevated manhole cover (read: trip hazard), dilapidated fences, and eroding pea gravel. To further compound the horror of this yard our only "view" is of the abandoned, trash-filled property next door...

I am looking for budget-friendly, rental-friendly suggestions on how to disguise the existing fencing (while increasing visual privacy), and to generally make this area more appealing. Desperately seeking help! -Sent by Emily S.

Editor: Horrible, ugly, abandoned, and trash-filled? I generally believe that any outdoor issues can be resolved with a few strings of cafe lights, but that might not quite do the trick in this situation. Please share your suggestions for any or all of the challenges Emily is facing- and keep in mind that she's renting. Thanks!